Distributor for pasty to flowable materials

ABSTRACT

Dispenser (Sp) for pasty to flowable substances (M), the dispenser comprising a dimensionally stable container having a mouthpiece, a bag located within the container, and a mouthpiece pump; wherein a filling volume of the dispenser is held by the container ( 1 ), at least half of which comprises the bag ( 10 ) which, when emptied from the mouthpiece, collapses into one container half ( 2 ); and wherein the bag ( 10 ) collapses on account of a negative emptying pressure produced by the mouthpiece pump (P).

The invention relates to a dispenser for pasty to flowable substances,the filling volume of which is held by a dimensionally stable container,at least half of which comprises a bag which, when emptied from themouthpiece, collapses into one container half.

A dispenser of this type is known from EP 0 505 611 A2. The delivery ofthe pasty substance takes place by means of positive emptying pressure.It is produced by means of a dimensionally stable, squeezable container.The pressure. build-up is obtained under valve control, acting from thebottom of the dispenser. Such a device is located in the head of thedispenser. The bag enclosed by the container comprises in part a bottomhalf which can be made to collapse and the other half of which isstiffened from the inside by a hard part.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,471,852 provides the proposal of producing the positiveemptying pressure by means of a compression spring mounted at the bottomof the dimensionally stable container. The collapsing bag provided overit in that case comprises part of a cartridge, the upper container halfof which is formed as a dome-shaped hard part, in the zenith of whichthere is an outlet valve, which is actuated by means of a dispensermechanism similar to a pushbutton. By this means, the delivery path ofthe mouthpiece is opened or released. The spring has over it acup-shaped body, which is shaped to follow the tapering collapsingcontour.

It is an object of the invention to form a dispenser of the generic typethat is structurally simple and functionally reliable.

This object is achieved in first instance and substantially by adispenser with the features of claim 1, it being provided that the bagcollapses on account of a negative emptying pressure produced by amouthpiece pump, that is in the direction of a free space ofcorresponding size facing the pump.

As a consequence of such a configuration, a dispenser of the generictype of a simpler, functionally more advantageous design is achieved:there is no longer any need for the deforming squeezing actuation of thecontainer, which if overdone or underdone could lead to malfunctionsand, moreover, also takes quite some getting use to. Rather, thedispenser head actuation of the accustomed form of handling is used. Thereplenishing of the apportioned portion dispensed takes place by suctionvia the filling level column of the pasty to flowable substance. The bagfollows on automatically in the dispensing direction. It is, as it were,drawn along as an air-impermeable skin, to be precise from the positionnear the bottom into the region of the dispenser head, where it makes itpossible for the residue left in the dispenser to be satisfactorilyemptied, and to do so without a special dispensing aid, as provided inthe prior art in the form of the spring described. The negative emptyingpressure produced in the region of the mouthpiece pump is entirelyadequate for the supplying collapse.

The respective subject matter of the further claims is explained belowwith reference to the subject matter of claim 1, but may also be ofimportance in their independent formulation. For instance, it proves tobe structurally advantageous that an inwardly protruding edge of the bagin the region of the, as it were, equatorial connecting join of twocontainer shell halves is held in a flange-like manner, one halfcarrying the emptying mouthpiece pump in the apex region. The edge ofthe bag is held as though it were between two clamping jaws. Thelongitudinally central securing also has the effect that there is nostress on the bag; it is acted on virtually equally in both directions.The flange-like holding of the edge of the bag can be achieved by screwconnection if the dispenser and the container of are of a rotationallysymmetrical construction. Otherwise, in the case of unround crosssections, a thermal bonding takes place in this region.

Even adhesive bonding is conceivable. Disposing the emptying mouthpiecepump in the apex region of one half leads to a welcomepolydirectionality of wall portions and consequently to a stabilizationof the entire container, the half lying below the equator stabilizingthe relevant region; the dispenser as a whole lies well in the hand foroperating purposes. With sufficiently extensible material, the bag canalso be reduced to a virtually planar membrane. The filling pressurethen turns the membrane out within the container to form a bag, which inthe way described collapses in the opposite sense, that is in thedirection of the emptying mouthpiece pump, as emptying progresses. Eventhe restoring force of the material can be used to help achieve this.Whatever the case, it proves to be advantageous for both versions that agrid is disposed in front of the passage region between container shellhalf and emptying mouthpiece pump, to support the collapsed bag. Thisprevents the delivery access path from being clogged with pastysubstance. Serving the same purpose, that of ensuring that flow supplypaths are kept free of clogging pasty substance, is the measure that theshell half equipped with the emptying mouthpiece pump has on its innersurface supporting ribs for the bag, preferably reaching as far as thepassage region. Such a system of struts, similar to buildings, can beprovided already in the injection-molding process. Path-blockingarrangements such as loops are avoided. It is also advantageous that thebag has an easily stabilized base area. This part, which is subjected toincreased mechanical loading, is consequently ideally suited for usingthe dispenser when re-filling as a disposable article. A further measurefor dispensing the substances without delivery coming to a halt is thatthe inlet opening, adjoining the passage region, of the emptyingmouthpiece pump is formed as a web-interrupted annular opening, runningconcentrically and coaxially in relation to the bag. The substancepresent is sucked over a wide front to replenish the supply. No partialpockets can form in the bag. Instead of a web-interrupted annularopening, an annular opening may also be formed by a ring of holes. Inone case as in the other, the further measure that the annular openingis disposed in the base of a collecting funnel diverging counter to thedirection of delivery of the substances proves to be advantageous. Saidcollecting funnel acts as an aligned feeding collector. Finally, it isadvantageous in terms of flow that the diameter of the annular openingsubstantially corresponds to the diameter of the passage region or grid.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail belowwith reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated by drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows the dispenser realised as a standing unit, in side view,closed by a protective cap, slightly enlarged,

FIG. 2 shows the plan view of this,

FIG. 3 shows the dispenser in an exploded representation,

FIG. 4 shows an inner view of the shell half of the container carryingthe emptying mouthpiece pump, showing supporting ribs for the bag,

FIG. 5 shows a vertical section through the container of the dispenser,with flanges still unconnected,

FIG. 6 shows a enlargement VI from FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section in the region of a supporting rib and

FIG. 8 shows a vertical section through the emptying mouthpiece pump,greatly enlarged.

The dispenser Sp represented is realised as a standing unit. It servesfor dispensing pasty to flowable substances M, the filling volume ofwhich is held by a dimensionally stable container 1.

The container 1 is of an elongate form, flat and of unroundcross-section, preferably elliptical (see FIG. 2).

The container 1 is divided in half with regard to its longitudinalcenter axis x-x in terms of assembly.

It comprises an upper shell half 2 and a lower shell half 3. Their openends, directed toward each other, butt together in a plane E-E lyingperpendicular to the longitudinal center plane x-x. The shell halves 2,3 are identical in terms of their cavity, apart from further moldedformations still to be explained below.

The open ends, directed toward each other, are angled away outward atthe periphery. In this case, the upper shell half 2 provides a flange 4and the lower shell half 3 provides a flange 5 (cf. also FIG. 6).

The flange 4 of the upper shell half 2 is folded vertically in thedirection of a standing surface 6, as seen in the longitudinal directionof the container 1.

The corresponding angle leg 7 engages over the outwardly directed endedge 8 of the flange 5 of the lower shell half 3.

The relevant edge contour consequently forms a channel 9 (cf. FIG. 3)for the snug fit of the flange 5 of the lower shell half 3.

The precision of this peripheral edge connection creates a good basisfor the mounting of an internal element of the container 1, to beprecise in the form of a bag 10. Said bag is foldable, preferablycapable of turning inside out, and has for this purpose the requiredelasticity or also flexibility.

The bag 10 is made to match the inner lining both of the lower shellhalf 3 and of the upper shell half 2 that can be reached when itcollapses. It comes to lie in close contact with the respective insidewall of the container shell halves 2, 3. Above, pasty substance M liesin between.

Facing the plane E-E, the bag 10 is held on the container side by meansof an edge 11. The faces directed toward one another of the flanges 4and 5 serve in this case as a connecting join similar to clamping jaws.The correspondingly outwardly projecting edge 11 of the bag 10 is inthis case captured in the region of an, as it were, equatorialconnecting join. Its elastic material serves in this case at the sametime as a seal. The connecting join has the reference numeral 12. It mayhave parallel walls, as clearly shown by FIG. 6, or else thickenwedgingly continuously toward the outer edge, so that undercut areas arecreated which, in addition to the mere nonpositive connectingengagement, also permit a positive engagement as a reinforced capturingmeans. The entries to the connecting join have a convex transverserounding. This avoids a cutting action at the “collapse hinge”.

After positioning of the bag 10, the further bending of the angle leg 7takes place, ending in a final engagement under the flange 5 of thelower shell half 3.

The bending of the angle leg 7 may take place thermally. On the otherhand, an adhesive connection, a latching connection or even a screwconnection is also conceivable if the shell halves 2, 3 are rotationallysymmetrical, at least in the region of the join.

With respect to their sides remote from the open ends, directed towardone another, the shell halves 2, 3 go over into narrowed cross-sectionalzones. The upper tapering zone in this case ends in a passage region 13of the container 1 for the delivery of the pasty substance M. Saidpassage region is circular and of relatively large diameter, usingvirtually the entire flattening width of the container 1.

The end of the lower shell half 3 directed toward the standing surface 6likewise goes over into a narrowed cross-sectional zone. This taperingzone has a standing edge 14. Said standing edge is of such a verticalheight that it leaves a clearance with respect to said standing surface6 under the base 15 of the container 1 formed there. The base 15 has inthe center an air-equalizing opening 16. Said opening compensates interms of volume for the region underneath the bag 10 as the latter movesupward.

In the passage region 13, the upper shell half 2 continues into anupwardly directed connection piece 17. This is an integrally formedportion. The connection piece 17 receives an annular collar 18 adaptedto it by being reduced in diameter. Both formations are basicallycylindrical.

The relevant head region of the dispenser Sp serves for receiving amanually actuable emptying mouthpiece pump P.

The emptying mouthpiece pump P actually seated in the apex region of theupper shell half 2 forms with its upper structure an actuating button 19oriented vertically in terms of movement. Away from its recessedactuating surface, there is a laterally directed, upwardly slopingmouthpiece 20. Said mouthpiece is of a tubular form, at least in the endregion, and is consequently suitable for the delivery of an amount ofpasty or flowable substance M formed into a strand.

A negative pressure is exerted by means of the mouthpiece pump P,obtaining the effect of powerful, complete emptying of the bag 10, whichinitially hangs down then increasingly collapses in the dispensingdirection, to be precise perceptibly in the direction of a clearancefacing the mouthpiece pump P of the upper shell half 2 of a sizecorresponding to the bag 10. The direction of delivery is identified byarrow y. It coincides with the longitudinal center axis x-x and goesover into a slightly rising lateral direction within the actuatingbutton 19. The actuating button 19, carrying the mouthpiece 20, can beturned, about said longitudinal centre axis x-x. This permitsindividually operatingly-convenient dispensing, whether over the longeraxis of the elliptical outline of the container 1 or over the shorteraxis or over steplessly achievable intermediate regions.

As already indicated, the delivery does not leave any residue, since agrid 21 is disposed in front of the passage region 13 of the container1, between the inside wall of the upper container shell half 2 and theemptying mouthpiece pump P. Said grid fills the passage region 13 and isconvexly curved slightly into the region of the filling volume, counterto the direction of delivery arrow y. It is stiffened in this way. Thegrid 21 may be a separate component. However, it is also possible forthis basket-like formation already to be molded onto the upper shellhalf 2. As can be seen, the assembly comprises an outer ring 22 and aninner ring 23 joined by radial webs 24 (reference is made to FIG. 4).There are six radial webs 24, to be precise spaced at equal angles fromone another.

A further means for dispensing the pasty substance M with virtually noresidue is that the shell half 2 equipped with the emptying mouthpiecepump P on the inside is provided with supporting ribs 25 for the bag 10.Said bag cannot then get in the way, even partially. Rather, the flowsupply paths W are kept free by the exposed system of struts of suchsupporting ribs 25 (compare FIG. 7). The bag 10 or its wall can move inan orderly fashion toward the passage region 13 in the direction ofdelivery arrow y. With the grid 21 formed separately, the outer ring 22rests on heads 25′ of the supporting ribs 25 protruding into the passageregion 13. Said outer ring is mounted in a clamping manner on them.

Altogether, eight supporting ribs 25 distributed at equal angles areprovided. They can already be moulded-in. The rib height increasescontinuously in the direction of the passage region 13 and tapers in theopposite direction on the inner face of the shell surface 2.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the base area 26 of the bag 10 is formedwith a thicker wall than the wall of the bag 10 adjoining in the mannerof a cup. The thickness is chosen such that the overall collapsabilityis not impaired, that is to say that the collapsing behavior isretained. Said thickening acts like a slightly stiffened follow-up base.The thickening may extend over the entire base area 26 or, however, asrepresented, be formed merely as an annular path.

The head of the dispenser Sp has a protective cap 27 over it. This atthe same time avoids unwanted discharge of the content, for example whenthe container 1 is carried along with other utensils in a bag or thelike.

The relative position of the protective cap 27 is defined, for exampleby use of the stepped transition between the connection piece 17 and theannular collar 18, forming a shoulder 28.

The cap-shaped body may be frictionally mounted; however, a screwconnection may also be used, as preferred here (compare FIG. 8). Theannular collar 18 received in the connecting piece 17 is part of aninsert 29 received in the dispenser head. Said annular collar isterminated on the substance side by a base 30.

Extending from the base 30 is part of the cylinder 31 forming theaforementioned emptying mouthpiece pump P.

Running in the cylinder 31 is a piston 32, which can be displacedagainst spring loading by the actuating button 19. Said piston forms theupper limitation of a pump chamber 33, the lower termination of which isprovided by the base 30.

In the base 30 there is an inlet valve VI. It is a non-return valve,which controls in terms of flow an annular opening 34 incorporated inthe base 30 and consists of elastomeric material.

Seated on the piston head 35 is an outlet valve V2. This is also anelastomeric component acting in the manner of a non-return valve.

The outlet valve V2 keeps passage openings 36 closed.

Behind the outlet valve V2 there is an intermediate chamber 37 with flowconnection to a central channel 38 of the actuating button 19 connectedto the piston 32.

The central channel 38 itself is then in connection with the mouthpiece20.

For forming the intermediate chamber 37 and also for receiving thecentral channel 38, the shaft 39 of the piston 32 attached to the rearof the piston head 35 is of a hollow form. As can be seen from thedrawing, the functional parts are accommodated in it appropriately foroperation.

A connecting part 40 contributes to this. So too does the cup-shapedform. The cup opening points in the direction of the container 1. Itstop is firmly connected to the actuating button 19.

On the outside, the cup-shaped connecting part 40 is provided with anannular stop projection 41. Said stop projection interacts with an axialchannel 42, providing counter stops, on the inner side of the annularcollar 18. The annular width determines the excursion and establishesthe portion-forming clearance of the pump chamber 33.

The cup-shaped connecting part 40, like the annular wall of the cylinder31 open in the opposite direction, contributes to the creation of aspring chamber 43.

Said spring chamber receives a compression spring 44. The latter loadsthe actuating button 19 in the direction of the basic position, asrevealed by FIG. 8. For this purpose, the spring action at the upper endis directed against the top of the cup-shaped connecting part 40 and thespring action at the end facing the supply of substance is directedagainst the base 30, which consequently forms the fixed abutment.Special supporting elements such as webs, beads etc. are used. Thecompression spring 44 has a slight bias.

The transfer of the pasty to flowable substance M into the apportioningregion of the dispenser Sp, here initially the pump chamber 33, takesplace over a relatively broad base and not through a centrally locatedaccess path. This is actually embodied by the inlet opening of theemptying mouthpiece pump P, adjoining the grid-protected passage region13, being formed as an annular opening 34, running concentricallycoaxially with respect to the bag 10. The annular opening 34 formed inthe base 30 is interspersed, between the central region of the base andthe base region concentrically adjoining radially beyond the annularopening, by webs 45. Such webs 45, disposed in the manner of spokes,preferably extend such that they are spaced at equal angles from oneanother. A likewise advantageous variant could consist in forming theannular opening 34 by holes of a ring of holes. Such holes are likewiseuniformly spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

The web-interrupted system explained and also the ring of holes systemcan optionally also be used with respect to the passage opening 36 inthe region of the outlet valve V2.

Both the annular opening 34 according to the described basicconfiguration and the passage opening 36 continue in the direction ofdelivery arrow y into funnel-shaped widened portions in the manner ofcountersunk holes for screws. This assists the raising of the valves V1,V2 to open them during the discharging pumping process.

This achieves the overall effect that the delimiting region of thesubstance M, “sucked” as it were by the negative pressure of the pump Pin the direction of delivery arrow y, is fed over a broad front to thetransfer region, which by simple means rules out tilting of the bag 10,possibly forming a pocket, causing a blockage, in particular in the endphase of the dispensing.

This advantageous effect is further enhanced by the annular openinghaving a catching funnel 46 on the side facing the substance M. Saidcatching funnel is already moulded into the base 30 and has a walldiverging in a rotationally symmetrical manner counter to the dispensingdirection arrow y. The diameter of the annular opening 34 substantiallycorresponds to the diameter of the passage region 13 or of the grid 21.

It remains to be stated that the emptying mouthpiece pump P, completelypre-assembled, can be positioned in relation to the neck, that is theconnecting piece 17, of the container 1 by way of the screw connection.The thread is designated by 47. At the height of the inlet valve V1there is a screw limitation 48. Directed inward into the housing, saidscrew limitation continues into a shoulder wall, which in the waydescribed above carries the grid 21. Between the grid 21 and the base 30there remains a dispensing antechamber, which cannot be clogged by thebag wall.

The delivery takes place as follows: downward movement of the actuatingbutton 19 causes the volume of the pump chamber 33 to be reduced.Substance M located in it cannot escape in the direction of the supplyon account of the closing action of the inlet valve V1.

Rather, the enclosed substance, passing the passage opening 36, isdelivered via the intermediate chamber 37 to the central channel 38, toemerge from there via mouthpiece 20. This path is released by theopening action of the outlet valve V2. If the actuating button 19 is letgo after delivery, a return displacement of the piston 32 takes place inthe direction of the basic position represented. This leads to anegative pressure in the pump chamber 33. Correspondingly, substance Mis replenished from the supply. The inlet valve V1 opens. Extraneous aircannot enter as a result of the closing action of the outlet valve V2.The return displacement takes place because of the force of thecompression spring 44.

All disclosed features are (in themselves) pertinent to the invention.The disclosure content of the associated/attached priority documents(copy of the prior patent application) is also hereby incorporated infull in the disclosure of the patent application, including for thepurpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of thepresent application.

1-9. (canceled)
 10. Dispenser (Sp) for pasty to flowable substances (M),the dispenser comprising a dimensionally stable container having amouthpiece, a bag located within the container, and a mouthpiece pump;wherein a filling volume of the dispenser is held by the container (1),at least half of which comprises the bag (10) which, when emptied fromthe mouthpiece, collapses into one container half (2); and wherein thebag (10) collapses on account of a negative emptying pressure producedby the mouthpiece pump (P).
 11. Dispenser according to claim 10, whereinan outwardly protruding edge (11) of the bag (10) in the region of anequatorial connecting joint (12) of two container shell halves (2, 3) isheld in a flange-like manner, one half (2) carrying the emptyingmouthpiece pump (P) in an apex region.
 12. Dispenser according to claim10, wherein a grid (21) is disposed in front of a passage region (13)between container shell half (2) and emptying mouthpiece pump (P), tosupport the collapsed bag (10).
 13. Dispenser according to claim 10,wherein the shell half (2) equipped with the emptying mouthpiece pump(P) has on its inner surface supporting ribs (25) for the bag (10),preferably reaching as far as the passage region (13).
 14. Dispenseraccording to claim 10, wherein the bag (10) has a slightly stabilizedbase area (26).
 15. Dispenser according to claim 12, wherein an inletopening, adjoining the passage region (13), of the emptying mouthpiecepump (P) is formed as a web-interrupted annular opening (34), runningconcentrically and coaxially in relation to the bag (10).
 16. Dispenseraccording to claim 15, wherein the annular opening (34) is formed by aring of holes.
 17. Dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the annularopening (34) is disposed in the base of a collecting funnel (46)diverging counter to the direction of delivery (arrow y) of thesubstances (M), said base of the funnal also providing a pump chamberbase (30).
 18. Dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the diameter ofthe annular opening (34) substantially correspohds to the diameter ofthe passage region (13) or grid (21).